Ericeira Surf & Yoga Escape: Ride Europe's First World Surfing Reserve

Ericeira sits on Portugal's west coast, about 40 minutes from Lisbon, and it's Europe's first World Surfing Reserve. The town itself is small and keeps a low-key feel despite the reputation: cobblestone streets, seafood restaurants, surf shops, cafés, and traditional fisherman's cottages on cliffs above the water. The camp is a 20-minute walk from the centre, perched on a cliff with a direct view over the beach and ocean.

Surfing is the core of the week. The camp runs courses for levels 1, 2, 3 and 4, and separately offers surf guiding for experienced surfers who don't need instruction but want someone to take them to the right spot on the right tide. Lessons usually happen at the beach right below the camp, but the instructors will move to another nearby spot if conditions are better elsewhere. Boards are available to rent, and the region has waves suitable for beginners and advanced surfers year-round.

Beyond the water, there's a yoga shala at the camp. In summer, sessions move to the beach; in winter, the shala is used, and it has a fireplace. You can add yoga to your package or book it as an extra during your stay. The camp also organises day trips through the week, and Lisbon is close enough to visit properly rather than just pass through. Further afield, Sintra, Peniche, Nazaré and the wineries in the area are all reachable.

Afternoons and evenings are unstructured by design. People hang by the pool, skate the bowl on site, walk into town, or settle on the terrace with sangria and music to watch the sunset. The camp is always busy with something — a tournament, a group heading into town, or just people coming back from a late session.

Portugal gets around 300 days of sunshine a year, and Ericeira works as a summer trip and as a winter one. For European visitors it's a short flight, and the camp offsets its CO2. There's also a real sustainability element to the week: beach cleaning and recycling activities run regularly and staff and guests take part. Free rebooking is available up to 14 days before arrival.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation at the Lapoint camp in Ericeira - Daily breakfast buffet with healthy options - Surf lessons (levels 1-4) or surf guiding, depending on package - Surf equipment rental during lessons - Use of camp facilities including pool and skate bowl - Organised day trips during the week - Trip to Lisbon - Weekly beach cleaning and recycling activities - Free rebooking up to 14 days before arrival - CO2 compensation for the trip

What's not included

- Flights to and from Lisbon - Airport transfers (check with the camp) - Travel insurance - Lunches and dinners not listed - Optional yoga sessions (unless booked as a yoga and surf package) - Personal expenses and spending money - Extra surfboard rental outside lesson times - Additional private room upgrades beyond what's listed